Who we are:
Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all – a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies since 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.
The Role
Implementation of a brand vision and strategy of masterbrand(s), subbrand(s) and category in order to deliver a robust, cross functionally and globally aligned 3-5 year product initiative calendar including all relevant marketing mix elements meeting long term net sales and profit goals.
This is a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover until 30 September 2025. The role is based in Darmstadt (hybrid working model).
What you will do
- Execute global strategy with dedicated 3-5 years New Product Development (NPD) master plan for all regions (EMEA, AM, ASIA)
- Execute aligned NPD plans and brand strategy with internal and external stakeholders for the short- and midterm planning
- Ensure NPD master plan delivers against global net sales and profit targets, support Senior Brand Manager to adjust in case of miss.
- Development of global product concepts and execution of the entire Marketing Mix. Execution of business analyses (sales, profitability, etc.). Market monitoring & evaluation and competitor analyses (e.g. assessment of data, interpretation of developments, identification of business opportunities).
- Responsible for insight generation: analysis of stylists and salon clients Initiation of market research projects and interpretation of the results
- Management, coordination and supervision of projects in respective areas of responsibility, in collaboration with internal stakeholders (e.g.R&D, SCM,…). Managment of budget. Managment of agencies.
- Develop communication /brand image campaigns together with Creative & Communication and ensure all masterbrand / subbrand requirements are met
What you will need
- University degree/Master in Business Management with a focus on Marketing
- Several years of professional experience in Brand Management - preferably in beauty / global product management
- Ability to lead assigned multifunctional project teams.
- Ability to manage conflicting parties (Global, Regional, Local, Project Team including RD, GSC, Legal, etc.) and achieve alignment
- Conceptual, strategical and analytical skills, capability of abstract reasoning and creative thinker
- Good technical understanding and high affinity for the product group / hair cosmetics sector
- Highly self-motivated, results-oriented and entrepreneurial
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English
How we work: Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 16 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.
What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.
Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.
Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit https://www.kao.com/emea/en/
#LI-Hybrid
What We Do
Ever since the company's founding in 1887, Kao has strived to deliver value to the life of people everywhere in the world. Today, we are a leading manufacturer in the fields of hygiene, beauty and health, while our chemical business contributes to the development of diverse industries. With more than 33,000 employees, our mission is to enrich the lives of people globally and contribute to the sustainability of the world.
In the regions of Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), we focus on our Beauty Care business with premium brands in three business sectors: Consumer, Salon and Cosmetics.
Our Business Sector represents skin and hair care brands that are recognized worldwide for their innovation and quality, such as Jergens, Curél, Bioré, Guhl, and John Frieda.
Our Salon Business Sector is committed to unleashing the creativity of stylists around the globe. With our industry leading brands Goldwell, KMS and Oribe, stylists have everything in their hands to create beautiful show-stopping hair representative of the individuality of their clients.
Our London-based boutique brand, Molton Brown, offers luxury beauty products found only in our exclusive Molton Brown stores, high-end department stores and travel retail, as well as five-star hotels around the world.
All three business sectors are driven by the same values and beliefs: Creating high-quality products and constantly striving for the best is what is at the heart of everything we do.
This is why we understand that our people are one of our core assets, and we strive for a working environment that allows team members to flourish and grow. Join us, and you will have opportunity to help us make life beautiful
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